lift, leveling, etc...

tayloch · February 15, 2016

Fellow forum members,

I am new to the truck scene having just purchased a 2015 Silverado LT 4x4. I see that most forum members have done some sort of mod to their trucks with either leveling kits or shocks or whatever. I was hoping that you guys could educate me a little...what are the reasons for leveling or lifting the truck? Does it affect my warranty? How does it change the way the truck drives (center of gravity and steering for example)? Is it possible to upgrade the 17" wheels and tires to some that are bigger without lifting the truck? I do plan on taking it off road, but nothing crazy like rock climbing...just up in the Blue Ridge here in VA during hunting season, etc... Most of the time she will live on asphalt here in the northern VA area doing battle with DC traffic/idiots.

Sorry if there is a thread already answering all this.... I didn't see one that hit on all my questions at once.

LongrangeLauber · February 15, 2016

Welcome fellow NOVA member! Most level/ lift their trucks for looks/ personal taste. I personally believe the added stiffness of the shock and struts from the level kit made mine handle better. At first the ride was noticeably stiffer but with time I either grew with it or it got softer. As far as voiding warranty, it really all depends on your dealer. My dealer seems to not care, but I never had to take it in for any other reason besides a few balances and other pidly stuff.

Who is your servicing dealer? Mine is Country Chevrolet in Warrenton, Chris the service writer is a really great guy

royrjs · February 15, 2016

And stiffness change (see post above) depends on the lift/level you choose. I went with lift spindles, that don't change the ride quality (for better or worse) but they just offset the front tires down.

I went with this lift because:

1. I can, my truck's a 2wd. Lift spindle is not an option for 4wd.

2. I like that ground clearance/look, and this particular lift let me go with 35 inch tires without trimming or cutting metal to make them fit, as part of the performance and look I wanted, I chase Baja so yeah, getting in the desert with no lift was kinda sketchy, tried it once haha.

tayloch · February 15, 2016

Welcome fellow NOVA member! Most level/ lift their trucks for looks/ personal taste. I personally believe the added stiffness of the shock and struts from the level kit made mine handle better. At first the ride was noticeably stiffer but with time I either grew with it or it got softer. As far as voiding warranty, it really all depends on your dealer. My dealer seems to not care, but I never had to take it in for any other reason besides a few balances and other pidly stuff.

Who is your servicing dealer? Mine is Country Chevrolet in Warrenton, Chris the service writer is a really great guy

CJ, Leroy..

Thanks for the response. I bought mine at Ted Britt in Sterling last month, so I will be taking it there for service while its free, but beyond that I can go anywhere...except Lindsey Chevrolet in Woodbridge...I will never go there ever again. Warrenton is about the same as driving to Sterling for me...maybe I will check out Country Chevy. So you went with just a level kit on yours? Do the Bilstein shocks do the same thing, any better?

LongrangeLauber · February 15, 2016

CJ, Leroy..

Thanks for the response. I bought mine at Ted Britt in Sterling last month, so I will be taking it there for service while its free, but beyond that I can go anywhere...except Lindsey Chevrolet in Woodbridge...I will never go there ever again. Warrenton is about the same as driving to Sterling for me...maybe I will check out Country Chevy. So you went with just a level kit on yours? Do the Bilstein shocks do the same thing, any better?

Yeah I only have a 2" level as of right now but the bilstein 5100 leveling shocks will improve the ride and they claim it's "better" for the suspension

tayloch · February 15, 2016

Yeah I only have a 2" level as of right now but the bilstein 5100 leveling shocks will improve the ride and they claim it's "better" for the suspension

OK. thanks again for the info. Say...what is an AFM disabler?

robvas · February 15, 2016

OK. thanks again for the info. Say...what is an AFM disabler?

turns the 4 cylinder mode off

you can go up to a 33" tire on these trucks WITHOUT a level/lift kit

But they just look better leveled IMO

tayloch · February 15, 2016

turns the 4 cylinder mode off

you can go up to a 33" tire on these trucks WITHOUT a level/lift kit

But they just look better leveled IMO

ahhh..ok. thanks.

tayloch · February 15, 2016

After a bit of research, I think the AFM disabler will be my next purchase. I hate when the truck is constantly going back and forth into 4cyl mode. Good info.

tayloch · February 18, 2016

^{stopped by the 4x4 shop today. The owner says it would be best to go with new struts instead of just a leveling kit. $190 for each side, plus $550 for installing them. Does that sound about right? I don't know what is a good price...really don't know what is best. He had leveling kits too, but said the struts were the best way to go. It sucks being ignorant about certain things but when I research the subject I cant find a definitive answer.}

LongrangeLauber · February 18, 2016

^{stopped by the 4x4 shop today. The owner says it would be best to go with new struts instead of just a leveling kit. $190 for each side, plus $550 for installing them. Does that sound about right? I don't know what is a good price...really don't know what is best. He had leveling kits too, but said the struts were the best way to go. It sucks being ignorant about certain things but when I research the subject I cant find a definitive answer.}

If he's referring to the replacement Bilstein 5100 shocks that has settings for up to a 2" level then he would be ripping you off. Look at streetsideauto.com they have a great deal on the 5100's, I can get you a part number here in a minute

LongrangeLauber · February 18, 2016

Here's the part number for the front replacement shock

24-238304

Fole75 · February 18, 2016

If he's referring to the replacement Bilstein 5100 shocks that has settings for up to a 2" level then he would be ripping you off. Look at streetsideauto.com they have a great deal on the 5100's, I can get you a part number here in a minute

This is my other option versus the level kit.. Still wanna do that AAL in the rear...

LongrangeLauber · February 18, 2016

This is my other option versus the level kit.. Still wanna do that AAL in the rear...

Are you referring to me or are you curious about doing it? I still may, gonna see how I like these helwig helper springs first, got them in today, hoping to install this weekend

amxguy1970 · February 19, 2016

Doing a spacer doesn't change the ride (unless it is a preload spacer) as it just moves the spring/shock perch up or down (it doesn't change spring or shock rates). The benefit of that is you get a factory ride and added clearance, but the higher you go the more strain it can cause on the suspension long term. For mostly highway with the occasional back country trip you will probably be fine until closer to 100k when things start wearing out. If you start going above 2" and higher can wear out sooner as well if you off road more.

The shocks that the raise the truck like the 5100 are a better shock and designed for a lift, but they preload the spring which also causes a rougher ride. They might be a little less harsh on ball joints but they still can cause suspension issues long term (CV, end links, ect) as it does basically the same as noted above with a few tweaks.

You aren't going to find "one hit" that answers all your questions, that's what searching and research does. Check a few tire threads, check a few level threads, maybe scan a few bilstein threads and compile data. One thread won't have all the right answers because people who know won't keep repeating them selves in every new post thread (that is why I have snarky responses to the same questions in many threads). You might have a person who has been through multiple setups answer in one thread and ignore your thread where another guy who bought his first and only level without research is in here telling you it is the best because it is what the store or dealer installed. Research, read, it will be a 100k plus decision that may or may not cost you more money in the long run if done properly.

If you plan on off road stay with the smaller tire size, they may not look as cool but they are more useful, lighter (better on mpg and performance) and cheaper as well.

Any changes to one thing that was designed together will have small changes to another geometry wise (learned that through racing) in the suspension and applies to all.

Good luck,

Tyler